Unit 1430: Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy

1. Overview of Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy

• Definition and scope of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy
• Role of physiotherapists in cardiac and respiratory patient management
• Importance of exercise and rehabilitation in cardiac and respiratory conditions
• Historical development and current trends in the field

2. Anatomy and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System

• Structure of the heart
  • Chambers, valves, and major vessels
  • Cardiac conduction system
• Blood vessels
  • Arteries, veins, and capillaries
  • Systemic and pulmonary circulation
• Hemodynamics and cardiac cycle
• Regulation of cardiovascular function
  • Neural and hormonal control
• Cardiovascular health and function

3. Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiratory System

• Respiratory tract anatomy
  • Upper and lower airways
  • Lungs and lobes
• Respiratory muscles
  • Diaphragm, intercostals, accessory muscles
• Mechanics of breathing
  • Inspiration and expiration
• Gas exchange process
  • Alveolar-capillary interface
  • Oxygen and carbon dioxide transport
• Control of respiration

4. Common Cardiovascular Conditions

• Hypertension
  • Pathophysiology, risk factors, symptoms
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia
• Heart failure
  • Types, clinical features
• Arrhythmias
  • Types, impact on function
• Physiotherapy considerations and treatment approaches

5. Common Respiratory Conditions

• Asthma
  • Pathophysiology and triggers
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Emphysema, chronic bronchitis
• Pneumonia
  • Causes, clinical presentation
• Bronchitis
  • Acute vs chronic
• Physiotherapy interventions specific to each condition

6. Assessment in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy

• Patient history and clinical examination
• Physical assessment techniques
  • Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
• Diagnostic tests
  • Spirometry, pulse oximetry, arterial blood gases
  • ECG and exercise stress testing
• Outcome measures
  • Functional capacity tests (6-minute walk test, shuttle walk test)
  • Dyspnea scales and quality of life assessments

7. Physiotherapy Interventions for Cardiorespiratory Conditions

• Breathing exercises
  • Diaphragmatic, pursed-lip breathing
• Airway clearance techniques
  • Postural drainage, percussion, vibrations
• Aerobic training
  • Principles of exercise prescription
• Strength training
  • Muscle groups relevant to respiration and mobility
• Patient education and self-management strategies

8. Pulmonary Rehabilitation

• Goals and benefits
• Components of pulmonary rehabilitation programs
  • Exercise training
  • Education on disease management
  • Behavior modification and lifestyle changes
• Tailoring programs for chronic respiratory patients
• Monitoring and evaluating progress

9. Cardiac Rehabilitation

• Objectives and phases
• Exercise prescription and progression
• Risk factor management
  • Smoking cessation, diet, medication adherence
• Psychosocial support
• Multidisciplinary approaches

10. Interprofessional Collaboration in Cardiorespiratory Care

• Roles of healthcare professionals
  • Physiotherapists, physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists
• Communication and coordination strategies
• Case management and patient-centered care
• Ethical and cultural considerations
• Challenges and solutions in team-based care